Where your password is stored on your device
Your WiFi password lives in your device's network settings, not in a separate app or file you can search for. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all store it differently, which is why the steps change depending on what you're using. The password itself is usually hidden for security — you won't see it typed out in plain text unless you specifically ask the system to show it.
If you've already connected to your WiFi network before, your device remembers the password. You don't need to know it to stay connected. But if you need the actual password — to give to a guest, to set up a new device, or to troubleshoot a connection — you'll need to dig into your settings and ask the system to reveal it.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, then WiFi, select your network, and choose Show to reveal the password.
- On Mac, open System Settings, go to WiFi, select your network, and click Details to find the password in Keychain.
- On iPhone, go to Settings, WiFi, tap your network name, then tap the info icon and select Show Password — you'll need to use Face ID or your passcode.
- On Android, the steps vary by manufacturer, but Settings, WiFi, your network name, and Share usually gets you there.
- If you can't find your password on any device, you can reset it through your router's admin panel or your internet provider's website.
Finding your password on Windows
On Windows 10 and 11, the fastest route is through Settings. Click the Start button, type "Settings," and open it. Then go to Network and Internet on the left side, select WiFi, and scroll down to find "Manage known networks." Click on the network you're connected to.
A window will open showing your network details. Look for a button or link that says "Show" next to the password field. Click it, and Windows will ask you to confirm your identity — usually with your Windows password or a PIN. Once you confirm, the password appears in plain text. You can now copy it or write it down.
If you don't see your network in the "Manage known networks" list, it means you haven't connected to it from this Windows device before. In that case, you'll need to find the password on a different device that is already connected, or reset it through your router.
Finding your password on Mac
On Mac, your WiFi password is stored in Keychain, which is Apple's password storage system. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs), then click WiFi on the left side. Find your network name in the list, and click the Details button next to it.
A new window opens showing your network information. Look for a field labeled "Password" — it will show dots instead of the actual characters. Check the box next to "Show password," and your Mac will ask you to confirm with your fingerprint or your Mac password. Once you do, the password appears in full.
If you don't see a Details button, your Mac may not be connected to that network. You can also find the password by opening Keychain Access directly: press Command+Space, type "Keychain Access," and search for your network name in the list.
Finding your password on iPhone
On iPhone, go to Settings, then WiFi. Find your network name in the list of connected networks and tap it. A details screen opens — look for an info icon (a circle with an "i" inside) and tap it.
A popup appears with your network details. You'll see a field labeled "Password" with dots covering the actual characters. Tap "Show Password" at the bottom. Your iPhone will ask you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Once you do, the password displays in plain text and you can copy it.
This method only works if your iPhone is already connected to the network. If you've never connected before, you won't see the network in your settings, and you'll need to find the password on a different device.
Finding your password on Android
Android varies depending on your phone's manufacturer — Samsung, Google Pixel, and others have slightly different layouts. Start by opening Settings and looking for WiFi or Network settings. Tap the network you're connected to, then look for an option like "Manage," "Details," or a gear icon next to the network name.
Once you're in the network details, look for "Password" or "Security." Some Android phones show the password directly; others require you to tap "Show password" or toggle a switch. You may need to confirm with your fingerprint or PIN. If you see a QR code instead of the password text, that's also your network password encoded — you can scan it with another device to connect.
If you can't find the password in your Android settings, try opening your phone's file manager and looking for a folder called ".wifi" or similar — some Android versions store passwords there. If that doesn't work, you'll need to reset the password through your router.
Resetting your password through your router
If you can't find your password on any device, you can change it by logging into your router directly. Most routers have a web address you can visit — usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Open a web browser and type that address into the search bar.
Your router will ask for a username and password. These are different from your WiFi password — they're the admin credentials for the router itself. Check the back or bottom of your router for a sticker with the default username and password. If you've changed them before and don't remember, you may need to reset the router to factory settings by holding down a small reset button for 10 seconds.
Once you're logged in, look for a section called "WiFi," "Wireless," or "Network Settings." You'll see your network name and password listed there. You can change the password to something you'll remember, and the new password takes effect when ready on all your devices.
What to do if you're locked out of your router
If you can't remember your router's admin password and you've already tried the default credentials on the sticker, your only option is usually a factory reset. This erases all your settings, including your WiFi password, and returns the router to how it came from the manufacturer.
To reset, locate the small reset button (usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it) on the back or bottom of the router. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it's back up, use the default username and password from the sticker to log in and set up your WiFi again.
After a factory reset, you'll need to reconnect all your devices to the WiFi using the new password you create. This is a good time to write down your new password somewhere safe — a notebook, a password manager, or even a note on your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password if I'm not connected to the network?
No. Your device only stores the password for networks it has connected to before. If you've never connected to a network from that device, the password won't be in your settings. You'll need to find it on a device that is already connected, or reset it through your router.
What if I see a QR code instead of the password text?
That QR code is your WiFi password encoded as an image. You can scan it with another phone's camera or a QR code reader app to connect to the network without typing the password manually. You can also take a screenshot of the QR code and share it with others.
Is it safe to share my WiFi password with guests?
Yes, sharing your password with trusted guests is normal. If you're concerned about security, most routers let you create a separate guest network with its own password, so guests don't have access to your main network or connected devices.
Why does my password show as dots or asterisks?
Dots and asterisks hide your password on screen for security — so someone looking over your shoulder can't see it. You have to deliberately tap or click a "Show" button to reveal the actual characters.
What should I do if I think someone has my WiFi password without permission?
Change your password through your router's admin panel. Once you change it, anyone using the old password will be disconnected and won't be able to reconnect. You'll need to give the new password to anyone you want to have access.